Blaze vs. VooDoo - Game Preview
July 3, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze (5-9) host the New Orleans VooDoo (4-10) this Saturday, July 6th at EnergySolutions Arena. The matchup will be broadcast live and in high definition exclusively on KJZZ-TV, featuring Steve Brown and Aaron Boone calling the action from the booth. Fans can also hear the game on 97.5 FM The Zone with Scott Garrard and Riley Jensen providing coverage.
Utah is coming off a last moment 57-49 loss to San Jose in which the team outscored the SaberCats in the final quarter and came within just four yards of the end zone with seconds on the clock. Proving it's a game of inches, the Blaze have dropped four contests during the 2013 campaign by a combined margin of just 13 points.
The VooDoo endured eight consecutive losses before turning things around over the past five games. New Orleans posted a 3-2 record in the month of June, including a 59-54 win over the Pittsburgh Power in Week 15. The turnaround has kept the VooDoo alive in the American Conference playoff hunt.
New Orleans has seen its share of difficulties on offense, ranking last in total yards (251 ypg) and passing yards (234.2 ypg), as well as 11th in scoring (45.5 ppg). Injuries have limited quarterback Kurt Rocco to 11 games in which he's completed 54.8 percent of his attempts for 2,307 yards with 49 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.
The VooDoo have also inserted recently acquired quarterback Chris Dixon into the lineup at times, often opting to go with whomever has the hot hand. In three games, Dixon has completed 68.4 percent of his attempts for 213 yards with six scores and no interceptions, adding 83 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
In the receiving corps, New Orleans' primary threat is two-time All-Arena performer Donovan Morgan, who has delivered 75 receptions for 1,152 yards and 24 scores. Although he has played in only nine games, VooDoo wide receiver Quorey Payne leads the Arena Football League with an average of 188.8 all-purpose yards per game. Payne has registered 552 receiving yards with seven touchdowns while adding 1,047 return yards with three more scores.
Utah employs the AFL's third-ranked passing defense and is allowing just 241.9 aerial yards per game. Last week against San Jose, Jack linebacker Antwan Marsh made his veteran presence felt as he posted two interceptions and one tackle for loss. Rookie Maurice Leggett has provided a lockdown effort on the back end and has delivered 11 pass breakups over the past three games.
New Orleans is allowing 58 points per game on defense and places last in the AFL in scoring. However, the VooDoo own a talented group of pass rushers and have registered 25 sacks on the season to rank fourth in the League. Nose guard Marlon Favorite has collected six sacks from the interior while defensive end Michael Janac has contributed 5.5 off the edge.
Quarterback Jason Boltus continues to improve and will make the fourth start of his career this week against the VooDoo. Boltus has thrown for over 300 yards in each of his last two outings, including a performance last week against San Jose that saw him gain 306 yards with seven touchdowns through the air. Most importantly, last week marked the first time during the 2013 season the Blaze haven't thrown an interception in a game.
Mario Urrutia has routinely scorched opposing defenses throughout a sensation rookie season, but the Blaze may have an emerging star opposite Urrutia in wide receiver Anthony "A.J." Jackson. Against the SaberCats, Jackson put his physical playing style on display while racking up seven catches for 99 yards and three touchdowns.
The Utah Blaze versus New Orleans VooDoo will feature more than the typical fast-paced excitement of Arena Football. This Saturday's theme is "Zombie Night" and fans are encouraged to come to the game dressed as the "undead." The stars of Castle of Chaos will be in attendance and free face painting will be available on the concourse.
Kickoff from EnergySolutions Arena is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MT. Tickets to the game are available for purchase by calling 1-888-99BLAZE or online at UTBlaze.com!
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Arena Football League Stories from July 3, 2013
- Shock vs. Storm - Game Preview - Spokane Shock
- West Division Takes Top Three Spots in AFL Coaches' Poll for Third Straight Week - Tampa Bay Storm
- Soul Look to Extend Win Streak - Philadelphia Soul
- Barnstormers Announce Youth Football Camp & Dance Clinic - Iowa Barnstormers
- Blaze vs. VooDoo - Game Preview - Utah Blaze
- VooDoo Seeking Second Road Win - New Orleans VooDoo
- Storm Add Two to Roster - Tampa Bay Storm
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